Parents

Why Is Hand Washing So Important?

Why Is Hand Washing So Important?

Kids don't always listen when parents tell them to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, or when they come inside from playing.

But it's a message worth repeating — hand washing is by far the best way to keep kids from getting sick and prevent the spread of germs.

How Do Germs Spread?

Germs can spread many ways, including:

touching dirty hands

changing dirty diapers

through contaminated water and food

through droplets in the air released during a cough or sneeze

on contaminated surfaces

through contact with a sick person's body fluids

When kids come into contact with germs, they can become infected just by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. And once they're infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.